As with many things, humans are prone to take the path of least resistance when using their bodies. When your body forms habits by daily repetition, a cumulative stress can cause strain or injury that seems to creep up on you.

According to the Cleaveland Clinic Health Library, "Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities."

Staring up at your computer monitor or down at your notes for several hours a day, or sitting in a chair for eight hours a day can definitely affect your posture.

Your spine has three curves most people have heard of. Your neck, or cervical spine, and your low back, or lumbar spine, ideally will have their curve pointing toward the front of the body. Your mid-back, where your ribs attach, is called the thoracic spine and will have a reverse curve of the cervical and lumbar spine, a very slight "hump".

When the vertebrae, supporting ligaments or muscles are stressed repeatedely, either front to back or side to side, this can result in pain.

Advanced Ergonomic Concepts (AEC) in Creve Couer is the closest store to the Ballwin-Ellisville area that specializes in equipment that relieves those bodily stresses.

"The key concept of positioning is 'neutral posture' which is the strongest position and one that causes the least amount of discomfort," said Laurie Wall, President of AEC. "By positioning the keyboard and mouse so that the user’s shoulders are relaxed, wrists straight, and arms relaxed, we can relieve many complaints of neck, shoulder and wrist discomfort."

For complaints of low back pain, Wall finds that chair positioning is most often the cuprit. All spinal curves and the pelvis (hips) should be supported appropriately.

Just because a product claims to be ergonomic, doesn't mean it is. Wall said to look for features such as independent seat controls, lumbar support and contoured seat design.

"Improper seat height can also cause various nerve compression at the back of the thighs, contract stress points along the forearm and pain in the neck and shoulders," Wall said. "Improper seat size can also be a culprit of various back and leg discomforts."

Neutral positioning also is key in preventing discomfort or pain from other work or school responsibilities, such as carrying shoulder bags and walking in high heels. Try a roller bag or fashionable flats with support.

Footwear is a hot topic now, with more attention being paid to reducing impact on feet and bringing back a natural gait, or walking style, as a basis for comfort.

"Those who sit all day still walk many miles in a day's time. Strapping on a [pedometer] as soon as you get out of bed in the morning would show you just how much walking you really do in an average day," said Steve Bub of Pain Relieving Footwear in Ellisville. "If you have back, leg, leg joint or foot issues, walking even from your car to your desk, to the bathroom, to lunch, et cetera, can be a painful experience."

Bub reccomends Impact Relieving Footwear, which cuts ground impact by 50 percent.